Local hotel offers free night to recent vets

WILMINGTON-Al Armstrong wanted veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan to know they were appreciated.

Because, for Armstrong, he came home in a different time.

"I was a Vietnam veteran, and everyone knows that we were not given the best welcome back," Armstrong said. "I think that has something to do with my offer, but, really, I just want them to feel at home and thank them for what they have done for our country over there."

Armstrong's offer to the veterans is one free night at his Mountain Brook Lodge in Wilmington, located on Route 86.

"They all get the first night free," Armstrong said, adding that he also has a special for any veterans or emergency service workers. "We give all veterans and emergency personnel 10 percent off."

For Armstrong, the chance to own a lodge was something that he never thought about while he was working in computers in Atlanta, Ga.

"I was fat and happy down there," he said. "My wife, Alicia, had come up here on vacation and seen this place and five days later, we owned it."

Armstrong said that he has received a lot of business from Fort Drum.

"They are just great and we have had a lot of business through word-of-mouth," Armstrong said. "We also offer the deal to their spouses as a way to have a retreat night."

For more information, call the Mountain Brook Lodge at 946-2262 or 800-571-2863.